Outline for Sabbath School Teachers with ideas for group discussion inspired by the Teachers’ Edition of the Sabbath School Lesson prepared by the General Conference SS ministry.

Lesson No. 5: 30 January – 06 February 2021

Title:Playing God

Pastoral Group Objectives

Give praise and thanks to the Lord, sharing words of consolation and faith with group members.

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Let’s Share the Word

Key Texts: Isaiah 13, Isa. 13:2-22, Isaiah 14, Isaiah 24-27.

Themes to Explore

1. Isaiah 13 speaks against Babylon and all the nations, and of the great day of the Lord and the judgment.

2. Isaiah 14 speaks against Lucifer: like the nations, he also, before everyone else, will come to an end forever.

3. Arrogance, pride, self-exaltation to the level divinity – these are some of the sins of the king of Babylon. Wednesday’s lesson lists other rulers who imitated him.

4. In the middle of these foreboding previews of history, God reveals hope to Israel.

Suggestions for Teaching and Spiritual Objectives:

Compare the judgments against Babylon of the past and the return from captivity with the final events of history.

Possible Questions for Deeper Study, Sharing and Application:

1. Why are many prophecies concentrated on speaking against Babylon? (See the notes in the lesson on 31 Feb)

2. Describe the essence of the wickedness of the King of Babylon and list his sins and God’s sentence on him.

3. What acts of the king of Babylon explain the nature of Satan and of evil in general?

4. In what way can these ‘viruses’ infect us? How widespread is all this today?

5. How can we warn our world of these judgments and testify to the hope we have?

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Personal Testimony and Church Mission:

Reflect on how you can testify about divine judgments and hope.